Control of enantioselectivity in the photochemical conversion of α-oxoamides into β-lactam derivatives

[GRAPHIC] Several approaches to asymmetric induction in the alpha-oxoamide (1) to beta-lactam (2) photorearrangement are described. Best results are obtained via irradiation of ionic and covalent chiral auxiliary-containing reactants in the crystalline state and in the interior supercages of zeolites.